Sven hunger pangs: the passion's back but can he end those years of hurt?

Soon after, the former England coach appeared to suggest that he had quickly developed an understanding of another prevalent theme - the desperate need for the club to win a trophy.

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If Eriksson really is to re-emerge as a coach of genuine credibility during his time at City, it is essential he discovers and understands just what it is that makes his new club tick.

Realising just what 31 years without silverware has done to the psyche of the average City supporter is certainly a start, and after seeing his players win a low-key friendly in south Yorkshire, the Swede's comments were eloquent and appropriate.

Eriksson said: "I'm not surprised it's like that because I took over a team in Italy, a good team, that hadn't won anything in 25, 30 years. That was Lazio.

"So, of course, when the first trophy we won was the Italian Cup, people went crazy, like we had won the World Cup. It can feel like that for a team that has not won a trophy for a long time.

"I remember when Middlesbrough won the Carling Cup two or three years ago. It was like that then, I understand that.

"I don't think we should start to talk about trophies at this moment but that doesn't mean I don't understand what the supporters feel. I'm happy to be in the club. The chairman has started a process. He wants to make this club better, bigger, more famous and doesn't want to fight at the bottom, so to take part in such a project is fantastic."

For all the reservations about Eriksson's appointment by new chairman Thaksin Shinawatra - both in the stands and among some members of the previous regime - the 59-year-old has cut an impressive figure so far.

Club insiders have been impressed by Eriksson's passion for his work - something not always apparent during his days with England - and a feeling that he will, in time, elevate City to the top six of the Premiership.

There have been no promises or predictions yet and that is perhaps wise, given the mediocrity in some areas of City's first-team squad. But Eriksson's appetite for work is clear.

"Well, there is a lot of work to do," he said when asked about his first impressions. "But it's good, very good, and as you can see from the first half today, we have to work, absolutely.

"But we knew that before we started. We have one month to try to bring in some more players, to try to know each other better."

Eriksson has been promised plenty of money to strengthen the squad left behind by Stuart Pearce and it is clear that he intends to spend it.

Having already signed Italian striker Rolando Bianchi and Switzerland Under 21 defender Gelson Fernandes, Eriksson has been quick out of the blocks and it is understood that he is looking for new players, particularly wide players, with pace.

On Saturday, City were sluggish in front of 6,000 fans - not exactly 'Svenmania' - in the first half at Doncaster's splendid Keepmoat Stadium.

At the break the Premiership side trailed to a Sean McDaid goal. Happily for Eriksson, Bernardo Corradi scored an excellent equaliser - and it's not often you will hear that - while Micah Richards and Emile Mpenza eventually ensured City left for Sweden on tour last night on the back of a 3-1 win.

None of that really matters, of course.

What is important is that Eriksson continues in the same vein that he has started.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle facing him, as he begins a three-year contract, is a reputation for disloyalty.

That will take time to shift but, so far, those who matter at City have been impressed.

The Swede waved cautiously at his new followers after the game on Saturday and they were happy to wave back.

All he needs to do now is beat Manchester United on August 19 and his popularity will be assured. Simple, isn't it?